TABLE 1.

Classification of compensation strategies for gait impairments in PD. ¹¹

Compensation strategy	Principal mechanism	Phenomenology
External cueing	Introduction of goal‐directed behavior by introducing a movement reference or target	Walking to the rhythm of music; Stepping over lines on the floor; Bouncing a ball
Internal cueing	Assist in achieving focused attention towards specific components of gait, to shift from automatic to goal‐directed motor control	Mental singing or counting; Focusing on a specific component of the gait cycle (e.g. making a heel strike)
Changing the balance requirements	Facilitate the ability to make lateral weight shifts, thereby easing the swing phase of the unloaded leg, particularly in gait initiation or turning.	Using walking aids; Making a volitional weight shift before gait initiation; Making wider turns.
Altering the mental state	Enhance general alertness and arousal. This may help shift from automatic to goal‐directed motor control	Reducing anxiety (e.g. mindfulness); Increasing motivation (e.g. encouraging oneself); Kinesia paradoxa
Motor imagery and action observation	Activate the mirror neuron system which may facilitate cortically generated movement.	Observing or visualizing and mimicking the gait pattern of another person.
Adopting a new walking pattern	Use alternate motor programs that may be less overlearned and less dependent on the automatic mode of motor control.	Skipping; Walking backwards or sideways; Running; Making skating movements.
Alternatives to walking	Walking difficulty may be a task‐specific problem	Riding a bicycle; Skateboarding; Riding a scooter; Roller skating

Note: Adapted from reference. ¹¹